Water meter theft cases are increasing in Dagupan City with authorities recording dozens of incidents this year.

One victim, Mary Lim, said she was shocked after their establishment’s water meter was stolen despite the area being well-lit.

“Kasi pag passerby ka, hindi mo aakalain kung anong ginagawa niya doon, eh. By the way, yung area na ‘yun ay well-lit, so nakikita siya,” Lim said.

She said a tricycle had stopped in front of their establishment before the incident, and they thought initially that the person was fixing something. They found out later that their water meter was already gone.

The Pamana Water Dagupan said it has recorded at least 26 cases of water meter theft this year, as of April 13.

Carol Lynne Gadon, division manager of the utility firm, said the incidents often happen at night and are usually discovered the next morning when water stops flowing.

“April 2 noong Holy Week, even holiday, may mga nananakawan kaya kailangan naming mag-respond kahit wala kaming pasok,” Gadon said.

She said thieves are targeting brass components inside the meters, which can be sold to junk shops for cash.

“Meron kasing brass component yung metro natin, ‘yun yung binebenta nila sa junk shop at pinagkakakitaan nila,” she added.

The Dagupan City Police has launched an investigation into the incidents.

Authorities advised consumers to install protective grills on their water meters to prevent theft, as cases continue to rise in the city.